Interior paint can transform any room in your home, making your living spaces feel fresh, comfortable, and visually appealing. To ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible, it's important to know what to do—and what not to do—when painting your home’s interior. Here are a few do’s and don'ts to keep in mind as you work and prepare.

Do:

Prep the area properly.

Taking the time to prepare the work area will streamline and simplify the entire project. Move all furniture to the middle of the room; lay a plastic sheet or drop cloth over every inch of the floor; tape off wall borders with painter's tape; and remove hardware like light switches and electrical plates. For added convenience, assemble all the essentials you'll need in one accessible place; include the paint and trays, brushes, rollers, a hammer, screwdriver, and lots of rags.

Use paint trays.

Invest in sturdy paint trays and line them with plastic liners or aluminum foil. Trays make it easy to get your paint on the brush or roller—just choose trays that are wide enough for the tools. Trays also allow you to pour out small amounts from the can at a time, conserving the supply and ensuring you don't run out of interior paint.

Don't:

Underpaint.

The number of times you’ll need to go over the paint depends on the original hue. With darker or more extreme colors, expect to paint three or more coats to achieve the desired shade: the first should be a primer, followed by however many coats are needed to match your color preference. Bear this in mind when shopping for interior paint so you purchase enough.

Overdress.

Painting is messy work, from the repetitive motions to the dripping paint. At some point, you will almost certainly get paint on your clothing. This is why it is crucial that you wear old clothes throughout the project. You might also want to wear a pair of old shoes—ideally, slip-ons—that you can take on and off when entering and exiting the room.

When you need interior paint for an upcoming project, visit Ace Hardware Clifton. Since 2009, they have been serving the Cincinnati, OH, area. They feature a full selection of paint and painting supplies, as well as power tools and plumbing and electrical parts. Call (513) 281-9600 to speak with a team member or visit their website to browse their products.